Thar'Oc Weed, because he asked for it.

Miraran Tehuriden

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Thar'Oc Weed, because he asked for it.

« on: 14 December 2008, 17:56:26 »

Overview;

This common plant of the mid- and southern regions of Santharia is known to many for its use in a revigorating draught, and it's peculiar side-effects on Orcs. Many farms and settlements have a small patch of this little flowering plant somewhere in a sheltered corner, and so do many orcs, even though its use might be frowned upon by some of their tribe members. It's name is Orcish in origin, a simple contraction of the words Tharian and Oc, denoting a weed associated with Santharian Orcs.

Description;
A simple, yet elegant little herb, Thar'Oc weed, often referred to as simply "Weed" amongst Orcs, can grow up to a height of two and a half palmspan at most. It forms dense clusters of thin stalks and leaves in sheltered corners inbetween roots, rocks, or buildings, where it's frail-looking leaves and flowers are fairly safe from strong winds and large animals.
Fine leaves, not unlike that of the carroot sway softly on drooping stalks that sprout at regular intervals from the main stem. Usually, the leaf-carrying stalks appear in circles of seven around the stem, but this symetry is more often than not disturbed by the many small rodents and insects that feed on Thar'Oc weed every once in a while.

Usages;
The Thar'Oc weed can be used to create a potent infusion, which grants a Human or Gnomish drinker renewed energy and vitality, as well as giving the impression his or her senses have been sharpened a little, with objects standing out better from their surroundings, sounds being distinguished more easilly, and smells and tastes being more pronounced. It is important not to overindulge in this brew however, as the effects are cumulative, and may soon turn into an inability to stand still or sleep, as well as all sensations becoming overwhelmingly strong. One cup a day for an adult human seems to be a safe dosage, and this is often used as a wake-me-up during breakfast, especially in more rural areas. It is not advised to use Thar'Oc weed during pregnancy or sickness, because it might be unpleasant, if not outright harmful to the child, and in the case of a sickness may give the diseased a fake feeling of well-being which may worsen the actual disease.
Orcs however, can make an entirely different use of this herb. To them the dried leaves can be used as a flavouring with certain unique side effects. For even greater effect, some delinquents have been known to use it as one would smoke pipeweed, which greatly magnifies the unusual effects.
An orc under the influence of Thar'Oc weed will grow much slower and less intelligent than before, stumble around instead of their usual steady gait, and, most annoyingly, they will develop severe delusions of grandeur, thinking themselves capable of eaven the most ridiculous feats of strength, wit, and skill. It is widely suggested that this effect will linger in a light version for weeks or months after using Thar'Oc in a pipe, and that the remnant is cumulative, and grows in strength after each usage. It is therefor unusual to find an individual to openly admit to his or her usage of the Thar'Oc weed in an Orcen community. Fortunately, the Compendium has found a volunteer in it's own ranks to share his experiences with this curious herb in the form of the aptly named Tharoc Wargrider, who'se reports strongly verified other reports. The effects of Thar'Oc usage generally wear off after two hours or less, with few to no side effects. If such side effects do occur, they may range from sudden muscle cramps to nausea and headaches, but all of these should last no more than an hour, after which medical care must be sought if the symptoms have not subsided. Smoking Thar'Oc does not seem to produce more severe side effects, although the chance of any ill effects occuring is much higher. The duration and magnitude of the 'positive' effects of Thar'Oc however, are almost doubled when smoked.
Lastly, it must be mentioned that all uses of this weed are addictive, be it mildly in Humans, but more strongly so in Gnomes and Orcs, the latter race being especially vulnerable to an addiction if the Thar'Oc is smoked instead of consumed normally.

Territory;
Thar'Oc weed will grow anywhere south of Rimmerin's Ring, provided it can obtain a moderate amount of moisture. It may take longer to bloom in warmer climates however, which reduces its general growth rate as well, since the plant will not grow more than a handfull of stalks at a time, though a flowering stalk may remain fresh and vital for months.
More northern Orcs will have to obtain their Thar'Oc weed through means of Santharian merchants, who often carry this product when traveling into Orcen territory. These dried stalks however retain only a certain portion of their original potential, and dosing the herb in an infusion correctly becomes much harder than with fresh plants.

Reproduction;
Thar'Oc weed flowers with a delicate, greenish white blossom from Singing Bird to Passing Cloud. The flower bears five slender petals that unfurl from a tighly rolled bud into a highly decorative star within one day that will remain intact for about a month. Each stalk continues to grow new side-shoots topped with a single flower until winter, slowly turning the Thar'Oc patch into a many-starred mass of flowers, quite pleasing to the eye. During the last few days of Passing Cloud, the flowers that have not yet wilted do so. During the next two weeks, the entire patch of Thar'Oc weed will turn brown and dry out, but not before small pods containing a few minute seeds each have formed in place of the flowers. As the now dead parts of the plant crumbles, rain, wind and passing creatures will spread the seeds far and wide, to germinate as the new spring arrives. The parent plant will hibernate until Changing Winds, when it will start growing new shoots from various points of the root cluster to start the cycle again.

Lore;
One Tharoc Wargrider, an aspiring scolar at the Compendium Halls in New Santhala, is known to peruse this weed on a fairly regular basis, claiming that it enhances his writing and analytical skills. How he accuires this weed in such a settled location is unknown, although one of the resident herbalists, who prefers to remain unnamed, has suggested that a thorough check of the Vines section of the greenhouses might result in some unexpected findings. However, as the man remarked "We never bothered to tell him we actually knów about his stash, as it keeps him occupied and mostly out of the way."


« Last Edit: 04 April 2009, 18:40:43 by Artimidor Federkiel »	Logged

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Tharoc Wargrider

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Re: Thar'Oc Weed, because he asked for it.

« Reply #1 on: 14 December 2008, 18:33:56 »

Why do I get the feeling that you're hiding something from me?


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Miraran Tehuriden

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Re: Thar'Oc Weed, because he asked for it.

« Reply #2 on: 14 December 2008, 18:38:22 »

Who, me?


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Re: Thar'Oc Weed, because he asked for it.

« Reply #3 on: 15 December 2008, 02:22:15 »

'simple, yet elegant'?

Odd; are we looking at the same plant here? I would have described this herb as 'coarse-leaved, with a strong grainy texture - sturdily-rooted yet daintily-leaved. The infusion made from its stem and roots is surprisingly complex and with layers of taste and depth...."


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Miraran Tehuriden

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Re: Thar'Oc Weed, because he asked for it.

« Reply #4 on: 15 December 2008, 02:25:12 »

I'm sure you remember the time he was.. erh... persuaded into the Santharian Chearleading Squad for Art's hand? And don't worry, The connection will become all to clear, all to soon


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Re: Thar'Oc Weed, because he asked for it.

« Reply #5 on: 29 December 2008, 02:02:06 »

All secrets revealed!

Yes, I know Talia, i know.. only a dutchman.....


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Re: Thar'Oc Weed, because he asked for it.

« Reply #6 on: 29 December 2008, 13:00:28 »

Hahahaha! The last quote is my favourite ever!


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Tharoc Wargrider

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Re: Thar'Oc Weed, because he asked for it.

« Reply #7 on: 29 December 2008, 22:51:44 »

Touche, Monsieur Mira.

rolling

However, I feel I must point out that whilst Tharoc may indeed be a regular 'consumer' of 'The Weed', (he is teetotal after all, and everyone must get their jollies whence they can!), this should in no way lead the reader into the assumption that his creator is of a similar bent. innoc

I shall give you my 2 sans worth on this fine entry when I return shortly, my friend.


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Re: Thar'Oc Weed, because he asked for it.

« Reply #8 on: 29 December 2008, 23:46:15 »

As promised, here is my 2 Yellow sans worth.

Overview;

This common plant of the mid- and southern regions of Santharia is known to many for its use in a revigorating draught, and it's peculiar side-effects on Orcs. Many farms and settlements have a small patch of this little flowering plant somewhere in a sheltered corner, and so do many Orcs, even though its use might be frowned upon by some of their tribe members. (Hhhmm. Whilst some might argue that the Orcs wouldn't frown upon anything like this, Alysse and I are trying to change the perceptions of them somewhat, and this falls into our scheme very nicely!) It's name is Orcish in origin, a simple contraction of the words Tharian and Oc, denoting a weed associated with Santharian Orcs.

Description;
A simple, yet elegant little herb, Thar'Oc weed, often referred to as simply "Weed" amongst Orcs, can grow up to a height of two and a half palmspans at most. It forms dense clusters of thin stalks and leaves in sheltered corners inbetween roots, rocks, or buildings, where it's frail-looking leaves and flowers are fairly safe from strong winds and large animals.
Fine leaves, not unlike that of the carroot sway softly on drooping stalks that sprout at regular intervals from the main stem. Usually, the leaf-carrying stalks appear in circles of seven around the stem, but this symetry is more often than not disturbed by the many small rodents and insects that feed on Thar'Oc weed every once in a while.

Usages;
The Thar'Oc weed can be used to create a potent infusion, which grants a Human or Gnomish drinker renewed energy and vitality, as well as giving the impression his or her senses have been sharpened a little, with objects standing out better from their surroundings, sounds being distinguished more easilly, and smells and tastes being more pronounced. It is important not to overindulge in this brew however, as the effects are cumulative, and may soon turn into an inability to stand still or sleep, as well as all sensations becoming overwhelmingly strong. One cup for an adult human a day (one cup a day for an adult human) seems to be a safe dosage, and this is often used as a wake-me-up during breakfast, especially in more rural areas. It is not advised to use Thar'Oc weed during pregnancy or sickness, because it might be unpleasant, if not outright harmful to the child, and in the case of a sickness may give the diseased a fake feeling of well-being which may worsen the actual disease.
Orcs however, can make an entirely different use of this herb. To them the dried leaves can be used as a flavouring with certain unique side effects. (Which are?) For even greater effect, some delinquents have been known to use it as one would smoke pipeweed, (do we have this?) (Yes, we do. I have already introduced Ba'kal, the pipe-weed smoking Osther-oc Lorekeeper, in the Orcen Duelling entry, so there is precedent of Orcs partaking!) which greatly magnifies the unusual effects.
An orc under the influence of Thar'Oc weed will grow much slower and less intelligent than before, (Yes, people, that is possible!) stumble around instead of their usual steady gait, and, most annoyingly, they will develop severe delusions of grandeur, thinking themselves capable of even the most ridiculous feats of strength, wit, and skill. It is widely suggested that this effect will linger in a light version for weeks or months after using Thar'Oc in a pipe, and that the remnant is cumulative, and grows in strength after each usage. It is therefore unusual to find an individual to openly admit to his or her usage of the Thar'Oc weed in an Orcish (Orcen?) (I prefer Orcen, using Orcish to refer to their language in the manner of most Tharians. However, either is acceptable.)community. However, the Compendium has found a volunteer in it's own ranks to share his experiences with this curious herb in the form of the aptly named Tharoc Wargrider, who's reports strongly verified other reports. The effects of Thar'Oc usage generally wear off after two hours or less, with few to no side effects. If such side effects do occur, they may range from sudden muscle cramps to nausea and headaches, but all of these should last no more than an hour, after which medical care must be sought if the symptoms have not subsided. Smoking Thar'Oc does not seem to produce more severe side effects, although the chance of any ill effects occuring is much higher. The duration of the Thar'Oc (Is there something missing here?)
Lastly, it must be mentioned that all uses of this weed are addictive, be it mildly in Humans, but more strongly so in Gnomes and Orcs, the latter race being especially vulnerable to an addiction if the Thar'Oc is smoked instead of consumed normally.

Territory;
Thar'Oc weed will grow anywhere south of Rimmerin's Ring, provided it can obtain a moderate amount of moisture. It may take longer to bloom in warmer climates however, which reduces its general growth rate as well, since the plant will not grow more than a handfull of stalks at a time, though a flowering stalk may remain fresh and vital for months. (How do the northern Orcs obtain a supply of this? If it is to be kept as a southern 'delicacy' then only the Volkek-oshra and the new group of mixed-tribe Orcs Nsiki is creating for the Rimmerins would have easy access to it.)

Reproduction;
Thar'Oc weed flowers with a delicate, greenish white blossom from Singing Bird to Passing Cloud. The flower bears five slender petals that unfurl from a tighly rolled bud into a highly decorative star within one day that will remain intact for about a month. Each stalk continues to grow new side-shoots topped with a single flower until winter, slowly turning the Thar'Oc patch into a many-starred mass of flowers, quite pleasing to the eye. During the last few days of Passing Cloud, the flowers that have not yet wilted do so. During the next two weeks, the entire patch of Thar'Oc weed will turn brown and dry out, but not before small pods containing a few minute seeds each have formed in place of the flowers. As the now dead parts of the plant crumbles, rain, wind and passing creatures will spread the seeds far and wide, to germinate as the new spring arrives. The parent plant will hibernate until Changing Winds, when it will start growing new shoots from various points of the root cluster to start the cycle again. (Any use for the dried stalks? Seeds?)

Lore;
One Tharoc Wargrider, an aspiring scolar at the Compendium Halls in New Santhala, is known to peruse this weed on a fairly regular basis, claiming that it enhances his writing and analytical skills. How he accuires this weed in such a settled location is unknown, although one of the resident herbalists, who prefers to remain unnamed, has suggested that a thorough check of the Vines section of the greenhouses might result in some unexpected findings. However, as the man remarked "We never bothered to tell him we actually know about his stash, as it keeps him occupied and mostly out of the way." (Oh, ha-bloody-ha!)

I'm suprised you didn't include some reference to 'Mad Dancing Fairy cakes', popular amongst the Human and Gnomic populations.

A well aimed retort, Mira sir. My hat is doffed.

As for whether this is an end to it...............we shall see evil


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Miraran Tehuriden

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Re: Thar'Oc Weed, because he asked for it.

« Reply #9 on: 30 December 2008, 23:20:41 »

Quote

(How do the northern Orcs obtain a supply of this? If it is to be kept as a southern 'delicacy' then only the Volkek-oshra and the new group of mixed-tribe Orcs Nsiki is creating for the Rimmerins would have easy access to it.)

But of course. Hence the name Thar'Oc, instead of Sarv'Oc! It's not found outside of Santharia.

but i suppose some traders ~~stupid~~ brave enough to trade with the Orcs of the north could sell this as well.

Edited!


« Last Edit: 09 January 2009, 01:32:21 by Miraran Tehuriden »	Logged

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Re: Thar'Oc Weed, because he asked for it.

« Reply #10 on: 09 March 2009, 23:17:08 »

Bump.

oh, and;

Quote

I'm suprised you didn't include some reference to 'Mad Dancing Fairy cakes', popular amongst the Human and Gnomic populations

That would be because the Mad Dancing Faeries are Nybelmarian, not Santharian


« Last Edit: 09 March 2009, 23:19:54 by Miraran Tehuriden »	Logged

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Re: Thar'Oc Weed, because he asked for it.

« Reply #11 on: 15 March 2009, 15:09:47 »

Self-blarrowed.


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Re: Thar'Oc Weed, because he asked for it.

« Reply #12 on: 15 March 2009, 16:43:48 »

Just so you know, it doesn't end here!


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Re: Thar'Oc Weed, because he asked for it.

« Reply #13 on: 15 March 2009, 16:45:15 »

You know i would be horribly disappointed in you if it did Tharoc!


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Thar'Oc Weed, because he asked for it.